Two men who sexually abused a vulnerable 16-year-old girl in a Limassol park received prison sentences of eight and three years after admitting they deliberately exploited her disability.
Bystanders who witnessed the distressed teenager in the park in 2024 took her to police, triggering an investigation that led to both men’s arrests within 24 hours. Limassol Criminal Court imposed the sentences on Monday, along with two-year supervision orders.
The victim has ADHD, functions cognitively below her age group and showed early signs of a psychotic disorder when assessed by a psychiatrist in 2023. Judges noted that both men recognised her vulnerability but chose to exploit it.
Couple’s intervention led to swift arrests
The teenager walked to the park one afternoon where one of the men approached her and said he wanted sexual contact. After the assault, she sought help from a couple nearby who drove her straight to police.
Officers took her back to the park that evening where she identified one attacker. Police chased him but he escaped. The next day, acting on information about where the men lived, officers found the first man on a nearby road. He indicated their shared residence where police arrested the second man. The victim identified both that same day.
During questioning, one man claimed the girl said she was 20, the other that she said 22. Both admitted realizing she had an intellectual disability.
Forensic evidence confirmed assault
Medical examination found the girl’s hymen was ruptured. Laboratory tests detected both men’s genetic material on her body and underwear. CCTV footage backed up her account of what happened.
A psychologist who assessed her found she felt terrible and frightened, couldn’t sleep properly due to intrusive sexual thoughts, and experienced heart palpitations when anything reminded her of the attack. She now faces high risk of further trauma and psychological problems.
Court highlights deterrent message
Judges stressed that sexual offences against young people demand deterrent sentences, particularly given rising numbers of such crimes. Protecting children carries paramount importance because sexual abuse crushes their psychological wellbeing and damages their identity, the court said.
The ruling noted that both men ignored the girl’s vulnerability and actively exploited it after recognizing her condition. Aggravating factors included the age gap, premeditation, and for the man who received eight years, the violent nature of his assault. The severe psychological damage to the victim weighed heavily in sentencing.
The men’s admissions spared the teenager from having to testify, which the court said held particular importance in sexual abuse cases involving minors.
A third person faces related charges but denies involvement. That case goes to trial in early 2026.